Which of the following explains why point estimation can be a useful procedure to estimate a population mean?
A) It defines the range of scores within which the population mean is likely to be contained.
B) The sample mean is equal to the population mean on average.
C) The sample mean is an unbiased estimator of the population mean.
D) The sample mean is equal to the population mean on average and the sample mean is an unbiased estimator of the population mean.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Point estimation involves using a single value (the sample mean) to estimate the population parameter (the population mean). The sample mean is a good estimator of the population mean because on average it will be equal to the population mean. Additionally, the sample mean is an unbiased estimator, meaning that it is not systematically over- or underestimates the population mean. Therefore, D is the best answer as it combines both of these reasons.

Which of the Following Explains Why Point Estimation Can Be